German clubs react to UEFA Champions League draw
Quick summary
Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart give their reactions after learning their group-stage opponents in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceManuel Neuer ( Bayern club captain) : "These are very balanced and interesting opponents with a lot of history. Fundamentally, we want to reach the top eight again - that is our big goal. The duel with Arsenal has already become a classic in recent years. Against Atlético we’ll be playing in the stadium where the final will be held, and we all hope that we’ll be playing there twice this season. Games against Manchester United are, of course, absolute classics with plenty of Champions League history. Playing there away is something special."
Max Eberl (Board member for sport): "The anticipation for the new Champions League season is huge. We have ambitious away fixtures with Atlético, Manchester United, Lille and Viking Stavanger. At home, we have opponents we can beat - among them, Arsenal, who were also last year’s finalists. We want to finish in the top eight; that’s the clear objective."
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What happened
All four German clubs participating in this season's UEFA Champions League — Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart — have issued reactions to the league-phase draw. Bayern, with Manuel Neuer among those speaking publicly, face a challenging schedule of opponents. Dortmund, Leipzig and Stuttgart also assessed their respective paths through the new-look Champions League format. The article compiles the initial responses, mood and expectations from each club following the official draw ceremony.
Chance analysis
The Champions League draw sets the tone for the European campaigns of Germany's four representatives, and the early reactions reveal where each club believes its route runs smoothly and where it expects turbulence. Bayern's pedigree makes them favourites regardless of opponent, but the expanded league phase means even German heavyweights will be tested by unfamiliar opposition. For Dortmund, Leipzig and Stuttgart, the draw carries significant financial and sporting stakes as they seek to advance deep into the competition and boost their coefficient contributions to Germany.
Each German club's Champions League path is now defined, shaping their fixture difficulty and rotation needs for the autumn European schedule.